Plan Ahead: West Michigan Fairs and Festivals October 1-15

The fairs and festivals continue this fall. We have more harvest festivals along with cultural festivals and art festivals. There is still plenty of food, drink, entertainment, and fun for all ages the first part of October.

ArtPrize

Thursday, September 15-Sunday, October 2, 2022 - Downtown Grand Rapids, MI For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize awards $450,000 directly to artists, through grants to support their ambitious work and through prizes which you can help decide through the ArtPrize website. More details are on the ArtPrize Facebook page.

Wizard of Oz Festival

Friday, September 30-Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Brick Street Studio, Ionia, MI The film that started it all, will be shown at the historic Ionia Theatre and priced the same as it was years ago, at only 25 cents per ticket! A variety of Oz related contests, Author's Alley, and much more, are planned. Vendors will be on hand with a great assortment of arts and crafts, shabby chic treasures, antiques, and various other gifts. Get additional information on the Michigan Wizard of Oz Festival Facebook page.

Red Flannel Festival

Friday, September 30-Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Cedar Springs, MI
It all started back in 1936 with an article stated there were no red flannels in the U.S. to keep people warm in the winter. The local paper, The Cedar Springs Clipper, replied that “just because Sak’s Fifth Avenue does not carry red flannels, it doesn’t follow that no on in the country does. Cedar Springs’ merchants have red flannels!” A Red Flannel Day was planned for the fall of 1969 and the festival has become a yearly tradition for 83 years! Events include carnival rides, a flapjack breakfast, a marching band competition, a parade, a pie eating contest, a car show, and so much more. Get additional information on the Red Flannel Festival, Inc. Facebook page.

Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids, MI
Enjoy a day of crafts, games, candle dipping, face painting, horse petting, and more. You can even make your own scarecrow to take home with you! This fun-filled day will also include wildlife presentations, blacksmith demonstrations, and concessions, including food for sale from El Caribe Food Truck. More information can be found on the Blandford Nature Center Facebook Events page.

International Festival of Holland

Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Downtown Holland, MI
The International Festival of Holland celebrates the variety of cultures living, working, and playing in West Michigan. It creates awareness of our neighbors locally and across the world in a fun, family-oriented way. The best way to do this is through everyone’s favorite things: food, music, art, and shopping! Details can be found on the International Festival of Holland Facebook page.

Fennville Goose Festival

Thursday, October 6-Sunday, October 9, 2022 - Fennville, MI
Head to Fennville for the annual Goose Festival. There will be a carnival, live music, a goose market, a kids corner and more. Events include a parade, the Gooseberry 5K, a Gosling Run & Street Party, a car show, a cornhole tournament, and a chalk-out. More information can be found on the Fennville Goose Festival Facebook page.

Downtown Holland Fall Fest

Friday, October 7-Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Holland, MI
The 2022 Fall Fest will feature professional pumpkin carvers, street performers, pumpkin painting, downtown walking tours, and even a Fall Artisan Market! Additional details can be found on the Holland Fall Fest Facebook Events page.

Pumpkinfest

Friday, October 7-Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Zeeland, MI
Celebrating community, family fun, and fall activities for over 30 years! Pumpkinfest is a two-day event that features a number of free and low-cost events that can be enjoyed by all ages. This year's Pumpkinfest is a very special celebration as they celebrate Zeeland turning 175! Inflatables, barrel train rides, face painting, hayrides, live music, food vendors, pumpkin painting, and much more will line Church Street for the weekend! Don't forget about the Pumpkinfest parade More information can be found on the Pumpkinfest Facebook Events page.

Pulaski Days

Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9, 2022 - Grand Rapids, MI
Pulaski Days was founded in 1973 by Ed Czyzyk and Walter Ulanch as a way to support the local social clubs by sharing Polish culture with the entire Grand Rapids community. The annual event has now grown into a week-long celebration to be shared with friends, family, and strangers alike. Everyone is Polish at Pulaski Days! Additional details can be found on the Pulaski Days Grand Rapids Facebook page.

Donut and Beer Festival

Saturday, October 8, 2022 - MCCU Field, Battle Creek, MI
Attendees can expect one of a kind donuts, craft beers, ciders, live music, and fun activities. Each attendee will receive donut samples, beer/cider samples, a mason jar sampling glass and more. This is an event for all ages and includes non-alcoholic "Cider" tickets. More information is on the Donut and Beer Fest Facebook page.

Oktoberfest in Pentwater

Saturday, October 8, 2022 - Pentwater, MI
This year is the 25th anniversary of this long-held tradition of Oktoberfest in Pentwater. The event has many activities for all to enjoy including the Stout Stumble 5K and Classic Car and Hot Rod Show. Additional details can be found on the Oktoberfest Classic Car and Hot Rod Show Facebook Events page.

Cultural Heritage Festival

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
The festival brings in cultural organizations throughout West Michigan to share with the community their background, connection to West Michigan, and the country they represent. This is done with visual presentations, music, art, food, and more.The Museum Café will feature food from around the globe. Event activities are included with general admission to the Museum. More information can be found on the Cultural Heritage Festival Facebook Events page.

Urban HayDay

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - Downtown Hudsonville, MI
It will be a day filled with cider, donuts, hayrides, pony rides, and so much more! Urban Hayday provides families with the chance to take part in everything fall, festive, and fun! There will be kid’s tractor pulls, bounce houses, and games. You can even see a pumpkin explode from the top of a firetruck! Get additional details on the Urban HayDay 2022 Facebook Events page.

Chow-Down Centertown

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - Centertown Grand Haven, Grand Haven, MI
Stop by for a fun fall afternoon with lots of food trucks, live music in multiple locations, and a market with all of your favorite Merchants and Makers! Find additional information on the Chow-Down Centertown Facebook Events page.

DeutsheMarques Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
There will be German food, German beer and the ever popular DeutscheMarques Oom-Pah band. There will also be beautiful German cars. You're encouraged to dress the part as well! There will be trophies for the best traditional-dressed gentleman and lady. Fun for the entire family! Get more information on the DeutscheMarques Facebook page.

Apple Butter Festival

Saturday, October 15-Sunday, October 16, 2022 - Fenner Nature Center, Lansing, MI
The sweet smoke curling through the crisp air. The crackling of the fire. The fiddle playing. The children laughing. The creaking of the copper kettle and the clanging of the stirring paddle. This year, the Apple Butter Festival is back for its 46th year. Get more information on the Apple Butter Festival Facebook Events page.